Michael

Is this guy on "crack" or what??? Let me ask all of you Sony fanboys out there a simple question (and be honest):

Isn't $600 a bit expensive??? When you figure that it'll probably only come with 1 controller, so you'll have to buy another controller (probably $50). Then, you'll want to buy a couple of games with it (probably $60 each). Then, there's sales tax. When you add it all up you're probably looking to spend close to $1000. And the funny thing is that the PS3 was meant to be played on an HDTV and about 90% of people out there don't even own an HDTV (at least not yet). You're actually spending more for your videogame entertainment than you are for the TV that you're viewing this on. The good thing is that the prices have come down on alot of HDTVs. Fortunately, I own an HDTV and I also happen to own an Xbox 360 (for which I'm happy with). But, the vast majority or people out there who are looking to buy the PS3 will probably be hooking it up to some old analog 27" TV.

And getting back to the total cost for the PS3 and accessories, after spending all that money, are you people still able to pay your bills?? Your rent??? Your mortgage??? Hey, I work hard for my money (like most people). And the average family income simply can't afford to spend that kind of money.

The PS3 might be considered a "value" at $600. But, Sony needs to do some more market research and realize that $600 is a bit steep for most (not all, but most) hard working people out there.

Just my opinion

Yeah. I agree with the above article and opinion. But, even with what can be considered as "sub-standard" HD picture quality (as compared to HD NET), I'll still take that (Universal HD picture quality) over any great standard 480i picture quality anytime.

BTW, I think it must be a whole Universal/NBC problem thing. Reason I say this is because I TiVo'd some Notre Dame football games on Universal HD and the compression and/or picture quality wasn't as great as any football game viewed or TiVo'd on CBS HD, FOX HD, or ESPN HD (Hmmm).

Just my opinion.

Oh. And one more thing that "bugs me." I can't beleive that the Pro Bowl was NOT broadcasted in HD on ESPN HD. Granted, I may be one of the very few people who actually watches (and enjoys) the Pro Bowl. But, why wouldn't ESPN broadcast the last NFL game of the season in HD???? Honestly. What's wrong with ESPN???

Thank goodness this weekend's NBA All-Star game will be broadcasted in HD on TNT HD.

Yes.
I just confirmed this info with a representative from DirecTV's corporate offices (in El Segundo, CA). Starting February 17th (and yes, just in time for the NBA All-Star Weekend). I'm excited about getting it because to me it means more NBA games in HD (which is a beautiful thing on a 60" HDTV).

BTW, if you have DirecTV and have local networks, but not local networks in HD, contact DirecTV and ask them to fill out something called a "waiver request" which may allow you to recieve NY or LA network affiliates. I was only able (or eligible) to get FOX NY in HD. It's not much, but, it's better than nothing. And the more HD channels I can get, the better!!!!

I knew this game was going to be good, but now I think this game will definitely be a "must have" for most Xbox 360 owners out there. Boxing may not be a "mainstream sport" like football (where Madden football rules most videogame consoles), but I think that Fight Night Round 3 (at least, based on all I've seen) has the "potential" to be one of the great sports games this year. It may even help the sport of boxing out (somewhat) and give some current great fighters (who aren't neccesarily household names) some exposure and recognition.

BTW, as most fight fans will tell you, the best boxing matches (as far as non-stop excitement goes) is any of the Gatti vs. Ward fights. However, my personal favorite was the Hagler vs. Hearns fight from back in '85. Arguably, the most exciting 2 and 1/2 rounds "punching violence" you'll ever see!!!!

I've got an Xbox 360 and I'm pretty happy with. My main reason for purchasing the Xbox 360 was for the games itself. Pure and simple. I have mine hooked up to my 60" HDTV and I love it.

I would consider purchasing a PS3, but I think I'll "wait and see" as more details are released. I currently have a HD DVR (well, TiVo) from DirecTV. So, the DVR function for the PS3 is a nice feature to have, but not a nessecity (for me). As for the PS3 online service, I'm sure it'll be great, but I don't even use my Xbox Live feature on my Xbox 360 (yet). So, again, it's not a (big) nessecity (at least in my view).

And as for it displaying 1080p.... well how many people out there currently own an HDTV??? Seriously?? Not that many (at least not yet). I'm the only person in my entire family who actually owns an HDTV. And I'm the only person in my family who owns a HD receiver. My receiver and HDTV displays up to 1080i. To me, that's just perfect. Yes, 1080p probably looks even better, but who can afford to get an HDTV---that's also is capable of displaying 1080p??? Most people who might be considering getting an HDTV soon will most likley go for the lesser expensive one that displays up to 720p and/or 1080i (just my opinion).

Looks like the PS3 will be a "hot item" (whenever it's released) and I'm sure all the features on it will be great. But, I wouldn't be surprised to see Sony release 2 different PS3 consoles (like with Xbox 360 core console and Xbox 360 premium console). Because it looks like a "deluxe PS3" console (that also has a Blu-Ray HD DVD player built into it) will probably cost around $499.99 (minimum).

I don't know what you all think, but that's a big "dent" in most people's credit cards.

Just my opinion, though.

Here's an HD programming note for today:

HD Net at 5:00 Est

U2 Vertigo: Live from Chicago

Arguably, the greatest rock and roll band today performing in HD. 'Nuff said.

OUCH!!!!!

I'm a DirecTV subscriber with their HD DVR (well, TiVo) reciever. The main reason I've been with DirecTV for so long is because of their exclusive contract for NFL Sunday Ticket. Even though some other companies offer the NFL Network (which is available on DirecTV), and NFL Highlights on Demand (also available on DirecTV), etc., DirecTV carries "ALL" Sunday afternoon regular season games (CBS and FOX) and up to nine NFL games a week in HD. Plus, NFL Gamemix is a great feature. 8 games on 1 channel, all at the same time. That's a pigskin buffet!!!

However, this news on a rate hike "sucks." No other way to look at it. I wouldn't have minded it so much if they were to add more HD channels or if we all had HD locals (but only a few markets actually have HD locals thru DirecTV).

Additionally, your article states that some DirecTV HD subscribers were complaining about the "amount of compression" that DirecTV uses. I haven't noticed any difference (or any major difference). But I could be wrong. If any of you have any info on this, post it on here.

Bottom line (for me) is that I pissed off about the rate hike. But, I love NFL Sunday Ticket. So, I guess I'll stick with DirecTV. But I sure hope that DirecTV adds more HD channels and features. Otherwise more people will be switching over to Dish Network or Digital Cable (yuck!!!).

O.K.
Now I know there's alot of Sony fanboys out there who are just "itching" to go off on some of these predictions. But since we're all just sitting around making predictions here's a few of mine:

1.) Xbox 360 will do "good" here in the U.S. However, it will (obviously) struggle overseas (especially in Japan). MS will finally kick it into gear this spring and start mass producing even more consoles for all the people who missed out on it this past Christmas. However, some buyers will wait for the PS3 and see what the launch price will be. But, this fall's gaming line-up will help generate interest in the Xbox 360 as games will steadily improve. Also, Halo 3 will be "waiting in the wings."

2.) Nintendo Revolution will do "surprisingly" very well world-wide. With classic hits, re-makes, and new titles of Mario Bros. and Zelda, Nintendo will carve a nice little spot into consumers hearts (and wallets).

3.) The PS3 will "finally"" be released in Japan this summer and by Thanksgiving here in the U.S. Initial stock will be low due to the high demand. However, the PS3 launch price will be $499.99, which may steer some potential buyers over to the Xbox 360 or to (the much more affordable) Nintendo Revolution.

4.) Nintendo DS will continue to sell at a somewhat steady pace. However, Nintendo will suprise some people by cutting prices of the DS by this upcoming holiday season.

5.) The PSP sales will drop some, mainly due to consumers awaiting the release of Sony's PS3. Sony will try to counter this drop in sales by possibly trying to lower the pricing in PSP movies (UMD) And what's with Sony and their Blu-Ray DVDs, their UMD DVDs, etc, etc, etc......

and finally,

6.) The games that will do surprisingly well in sales this year will be games based on classic movies such as Scarface and The Godfather. This will prompt more companies to look into getting movie licences so that more games can be made based from movies.

BTW, I own an Xbox 360, and I'm very pleased with it (although most people on this blog seem to "bash" it).


Peace.

Wayne,
No problem. I can see what you were talking about and I would've thought the same thing, too. I definitely understand your circumstances. I currently live in an apartment complex. Fortunately, my landlord o.k.'d my mounting a satellite dish for DirecTV. Hopefully, Comcast will be able pick up NFL Sunday Ticket too once the current TV deal expires in a few years.

You probably have some advantages in having digital cable with HD over DirecTV in HD. For example, you probably get a few more HD channels than I get. DirecTV only offers the typical stuff like HD Net, HD Net Movies, ESPN HD, ESPN 2 HD, HBO HD, Showtime HD, Discovery HD, Universal HD, etc. But, I know there's other HD channels out there like Cinemax HD, TNT HD, etc. So, chances are you probably have more HD channels than me.

One thing that I'me sure that we can both agree on is that watching anything is HD (whether in 720p or 1080i) is way better than watching anything on standard 480i.

Wayne,

I'd double check with Comcast and/or other cable companies on that one. If you've read up on the previous NFL networks agreement (that also stated that NBC will broadcast Sunday night games in 2006 and ABC won't broadcast any Monday night games following 2005), it clearly states that DirecTV would continue to have the "exclusive rights" to braodcasting all NFL Sunday afternoon games (CBS and FOX) thru at least the year 2010. Here's an exact quote from November of 2004 (which was when the last TV deal was done):

DIRECTV Extends and Expands Exclusive NFL SUNDAY TICKET Agreement With NFL Through 2010 Season

EL SEGUNDO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)---- DIRECTV Will Develop and Dramatically Expand NFL SUNDAY TICKET Package with Advanced New Interactive Features and Programming Services

DIRECTV, Inc., the nation's leading digital television service provider, today announced a five-year $3.5 billion agreement with the National Football League to extend and expand DIRECTV's "exclusive rights" to carry NFL SUNDAY TICKET, the leading sports subscription television package in the United States. DIRECTV will continue to have exclusive multichannel television rights to air NFL SUNDAY TICKET games through the 2010 season.


Sorry Wayne. But if you love NFL football (and I do), you may want to consider getting DirecTV and NFL Sunday Ticket (unless you want to wait til the year 2011).